Obituaries

Ruth K. Bertolaet, 94, of Whitewater, WI, passed away due to COVID-19 on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.

Ruth was born on September 10th, 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Elmer and Esther (Protzmann) Krahn. She grew up in the Milwaukee area and attended the University of Wisconsin Whitewater graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching. While at UW- Whitewater, she met Frederick W. Bertolaet, and the two were united in marriage on June 16th, 1951. Ruth and Fred were blessed with 68 years together until Fred’s passing in August of 2018. Together they had four children, Bobbie, Todd, Becky and Bonnie. Ruth worked as a kindergarten teacher for the majority of her working career. She took pride in instructing young people during their formative years and was a source of tremendous support for the families of the children she taught.

Ruth was extremely proud of the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin that she grew up in and that her parents were so dedicated to see thrive. She was equally passionate about the community of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she and Fred spent 40 years of their married life raising their children, grandchildren and taking advantage of all that the vibrant university town has to offer. Ruth loved drama and music for the entirety of her life, both as a participant (she played both piano and cello) and as an enthusiast. She continued to give dramatic readings until recently when her eyesight made it too difficult to do so. Both Ruth and Fred were also deeply committed to civic engagement, political campaigns, and numerous causes and social justice efforts throughout their lives. Ruth modeled what she believed, one example being that she ran local polling places for decades where she thoroughly enjoyed seeing the university students involved in the democratic process.

Ruth was most proud of her children and grandchildren and the home she created with Fred. She was happiest and most fulfilled when spending time with those she loved. She was a great mother and always made sure her family and friends were well taken care of and had plenty to eat. Ruth loved all of the holiday seasons so much so that many of their children’s friends described Fred and Ruth, in their older years, as Santa and Mrs. Claus! She also enjoyed traveling with her family and learning about the different traditions of other cultures. She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: her children, Bobbie Bertolaet of Ann Arbor, MI, Todd (Joan) Bertolaet of Tallahassee, FL, Becky (Jim) Sallade of Cedar Creek, TX, and Bonnie (Martin Seidel) Bertolaet of Concord, MA; her dear grandchildren, Erica (Alan Hedgepeth) Diels of Janesville, WI, Aaron Diels of Ann Arbor, MI, Emma Bertolaet of Birmingham, AL, Nora (Chris) Clark of Tallahassee, FL, Alex (Max Miller) Sallade of Dallas, TX, Alma Bertolaet of Atlanta, GA, Kelsey (Mike) Sherman of Austin, TX, Olivia Seidel of Concord, MA, and Griffin Seidel of Concord, MA; and a great-grandchild, Remy Sherman of Austin, TX. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, and her loving husband, Dr. Frederick W. Bertolaet.

Ruth’s family will hold a private service in her honor at a later date.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra & Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Dan Wolfe, 75 of Whitewater, beloved husband of Lyn, passed away peacefully December 8, 2020 at Glenwood.

Dan was a barber for 49 years, owning Barber’s Office first in Burlington, later in Necedah. Barber Dan loved hunting and fishing, playing cards, auctions and refinishing furniture. He bravely faced Lewy Body Dementia with grace and dignity.

He leaves behind wife, Lyn; and three wonderful children, Daniel (Kristin) of Kohler, Jake of Whitewater, and Jenny (Steve) of Tega Cay, SC. He was Grampa to eight amazing grandkids; and three lively great-grandkids. He was a younger brother to sister, Sandy (Bill Swantz); and older brother to sisters, Cathy (Brian Orton) and Jayne (Jerry Dresen).
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Grace Wolfe of Kansasville, and brother, Randy of Rockford.

At this time, there are no memorial services for Dan. He will be cremated, and next summer travel to his hunting land in the hills of Elroy.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Besch and the staff at Glenwood Memory Care for their outstanding, skilled, compassionate care in his final months. Dan’s was a life well lived…he was a man well loved.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Flora Marie Helling, age 92, a long-time Richmond, WI Township resident died Monday, December 7, 2020 at Silverado North Shore Memory Care Community, Glendale, WI. She was born on January 15, 1928 in Gladwin, MI, the daughter of Reynold and Martha (Koenke) Kranich. She grew up in Gladwin and graduated from high school there. She then attended and graduated from Licensed Practical Nursing school in Chicago, IL. Flora was employed as a nurse at Cook County Hospital.

Flora met Floyd D. Helling who was a farmer in Richmond Township and they were married on May 19, 1962. They operated the Helling family farmstead until they retired. Flora was a member of Christus Lutheran Church in Richmond. She was active with the Farm Bureau Women, was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and was a long-time poll worker. She was an avid gardener.

Flora is survived by two children; Steve (Aundie) Helling of Alabama, Sharon (Mitch) Maves of Menomonee Falls, WI; two sisters, Clara Maddox and Charlene Van Wyke; one brother, Norris Kranich; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Helling on August 12, 2016. Her parents, her sister, Alice Kelly, infant brother, Morris, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020 at CHRISTUS LUTHERAN CHURCH, Richmond (N6116 Delaney Road, Delavan, WI). Funeral services will follow at CHRISTUS LUTHERAN CHURCH at 11 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Bruce Wietzke officiating. Burial will be in the Richmond Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christus Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, Janesville is honored to be assisting the Helling family. Online condolences can be made at www.henkeclarson.com

Donald “Doc” Merl Kelley, 64, Whitewater, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Doc was born on August 14, 1956 in Elkhorn, WI to Lloyd and Irene (Clifford) Kelley. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1975. On October 2, 1982 Doc married Cindy Lasee in DePere, WI.

He worked for Triebold Implement for 25 years as a semi-truck driver. Doc then worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian at Washington Elementary School for 18 years. He loved being around the people and the kids. They were like family. Doc was a volunteer firefighter for Whitewater for 29 years. He enjoyed camping, watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers and the Warhawk football team. Doc was known for the phrase “Hi-ya, Hi-ya.”

He is survived by his wife Cindy, Whitewater; children Natalie (Ryan) Mussack, Prairie Du Sac, WI, and Lauren Kelley, Whitewater; siblings Kay Wall, Florida, Lloyd Kelley, Jefferson, Janet (Eric) Gill, Beloit, Richard (Pat) Kelley, Footville, and Ron Kelley, Whitewater; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service for Doc will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to the Whitewater Fire Department in Doc’s name. The family would like to thank Alden Estates and Agrace Hospice for the care they showed to Doc.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Lisa Ann Parker, 57, Whitewater, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

Lisa was born on April 15, 1963 in Indianapolis, IN to her loving mother, Joanne Cooper. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1981. On December 5, 1981 Lisa married William Charles Parker Jr. She worked for Commercial Bank in Whitewater for many years. Lisa enjoyed gardening, cooking and watching cooking shows, spending time and caring for her grandkids. Lisa loved taking care of the family dogs, and watching the Packers, Badgers and Brewers.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years Bill; daughters Susie (Mike) Langholff, Fort Atkinson, Billie Jo (Juan Prado) Parker, Whitewater; grandchildren Harper and Hannah Langholff; brother, Stephen (Maureen) Cooper, Greenfield, IN; sister-in-law Kathleen Parker (Pete Lee), Oconomowoc; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Cooper; brother, Jeff Cooper; sister-in-law Pam Cooper; in-laws William Sr. and Ruth Parker; her dogs Bailey and Dawsin.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 12^th, 2020 at Heart Prairie Church located on the south end of Whitewater Lake (by the corner of Chapel Dr. and R and W Townline Rd.). Due to Covid-19, the service will be held outdoors. ­

The family would like to give special thanks to Mercy Hospice of Janesville for their exceptional care of Lisa.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Dennis “Denny” William Kehoe, 92, of Whitewater passed on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Glenwood at Mulberry Glen.

Denny was born on June 11, 1928 in Watertown to Charles W. and Anna O. (Dollase) Kehoe. He was a World War II era veteran, stationed in Occupied Japan. After serving his country, he was a UW-Madison graduate that lettered in boxing. He dedicated the rest of his career to education, and was a Professor Emeritus of Spanish and Portuguese at UW-Whitewater. He was an avid linguist.

Denny was a member of the Whitewater Knights of Columbus, an active volunteer with the Latin American Mission Program, and was very involved in the Latino community. He was an active member in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He traveled and taught with college students in Mexico and Spain.

After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Rita and singing with the Lake County Country Gentleman Barbershop Choir out of Lake Geneva. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to sing.

Dennis is survived by his children, Rita (Parker) Dow, Bill (Heather) Kehoe, Maria (David) Hinners. He was a loving grandpa to Heather (David) Buehler, Holly Dow, Morganne (Andrew) Seiner, Shannon Kehoe, Meghan Kehoe, Alex Hinners, Eric Hinners; and great-grandchildren, Seraphine and Sebastian Buehler. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Boyink; and many nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna Kehoe; wife, Rita (Lassa) Kehoe; brother, Mack Kehoe; and sister, Ethel (Kehoe) Kachelmeier.

A funeral mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra. Masks and social distancing are required. A graveside service will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmyra or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

The family would like to give special thanks to Glenwood and Marquardt Hospice for their exceptional care of Denny.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Dennis D. Floerke, age 68, of Stitzer, WI, formerly of Whitewater, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born on January 12, 1952 in Fort Atkinson the son of Lawrence and Nora (Beighley) Floerke. He was united in marriage to Jean Fritz on November 30, 2013 at the Boscobel United Methodist Church.

Dennis worked for the Jefferson County Highway Department for over 33 years. He began his duties as a Patrolman’s Helper. He also served as a Patrolman. The previous 20 years, Dennis ran a grader on the Grade Crew and he loved to snow plow. After his retirement, he was employed at Reddy-Ag in Stitzer as a seasonal employee for the past three years until having to retire due to his declining health. Dennis enjoyed going to stock car races along with watching NASCAR. He enjoyed going for rides in the country looking at the beautiful scenery and wildlife. He and Jean took road trips to Las Vegas, Florida, Texas, Colorado and Canada. Dennis was a handyman and liked working on projects around the house. He was most proud of his family and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He made special bonds with each of them. He will be remembered for his big heart, his desire to always help others, and always having a positive outlook on life. He will be deeply missed.

Dennis is survived by his wife Jean of Stitzer, his daughter Cheryl (Tim) Oechsle of Fennimore and their children Jacob (Megan Klema) Oechsle and Levi (Erica Boylen) Oechsle, and son Cliff (Amy) Floerke of Whitewater and their son Anthony (Jessica) Floerke and their two children Madelyn and Kate Floerke, along with Jean’s family; daughter Cindy (Andy) Ploessl and their children; Phillip Peer, Tesha (Jake) Millard and their children Kamden and Aubree Millard, daughter Alisa (Jeremy) Miles and their two children Dalton and Ashley Miles, son Michael Butler and his two children Xander Fecht and Coral Butler. Dennis is also survived by his two brothers Eugene (Alice) Floerke of Richland Center, and Alan (Pam) Floerke of Fort Atkinson.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Walter Beighley.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. If planning on attending services at the funeral home the wearing of masks will be required. Online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com

William “Bill” L. Cushman, 96, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 at Fairhaven in Whitewater.

Due to the high Covid-19 numbers, the visitation scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI has been cancelled.

A Graveside Service with a Masonic Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the Cushman Cemetery, Cushman Road, Town of Hebron, WI. After the burial, there will be an opportunity to visit with the family following Covid Protocol.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family.

David F. Byrne, 95, Whitewater, passed away on November 24, 2020.

David was born December 11, 1924 in Pontiac, Illinois, to Ira and Vera (Rittenhouse) Byrne. He was raised 2 miles northeast of Saunemin on the family farm of four generations. He attended elementary and secondary schools at Saunemin, Illinois, graduating from Saunemin High School in 1942. David attended Illinois State Normal University from September 1942 until June, 1944, both as a civilian and in the Naval Officer Training called V-12. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until 1946, on the destroyer escort 531, Edward H. Allen, in the Atlantic. During the World War II years David met Elizabeth Gebhardt and they were married December 16, 1944. They had three sons; David Charles (Sandra), William Edward (Bette), Paul Franklin (Kathy), thirteen grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. In 1994 David and Beth celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, with family and friends, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. His loving wife, Elizabeth, died October 7, 1995. David attended the University Of Illinois, receiving the Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Agriculture and the Master of Science Degree in 1949. From 1955 to 1962, he enrolled in extension and summer courses. In 1962 he took a leave of absence and enrolled for residence in the Doctor of Education Program at the University of Illinois. He received the Doctor of Education degree in June 1964. David Byrne was a teacher and administrator in public schools for 37 years. He started the vocational Agriculture department in Altamont, Illinois in 1949 and after 5 years he became the high school principal and superintendent of the Altamont Community Unit District 10, with only 640 pupils in grades 1 thru 12. From 1958 to 1962 he was Principal of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois, with 3100 students in 1958. For 20 years, 1965-1985, he was Superintendent of the Leyden High School District 212, with two high schools in the suburban area near Chicago 0 ‘Hare airport. During his last year at Leyden both East Leyden and West Leyden were selected for the National Presidential Award for Excellence.

Whitewater Lake, Wisconsin, was his home after retiring, and for many years he was active in the UMC and Noon Kiwanis. By the time he became 90 he was limited to his walker, pick-up truck, and a Kawasaki Mule. He enjoyed a time of greater relaxation, spending time with family and friends, hosting company at the lake house, and the Investment Club meetings. He watched TV and used the computer to monitor his stock portfolio. He spent the last few years of his life at Fairhaven Retirement Homes where he enjoyed many new friends and activities. On New Year’s Eve, 1996, Dave married Dorothy Davis Barnes, a former classmate at Saunemin High School. With Dorothy’s son, Dr. David Barnes, and her daughter, Penny Manning added to the family, Dave and Dorothy now had 15 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Due to the pandemic there will be no formal services at this time. As an expression of sympathy you may wish to consider memorials to Fairhaven Senior Living in memory of David.

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made by online at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Janet Marie (Cooper) Grosskreutz

Janet Marie (Cooper) Grosskreutz, 62, was reborn to eternal life on November 24, 2020 after a long battle with COPD. She was born on February 1, 1958, to Walter and Elizabeth (Fisch) Cooper at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital. She grew up in the Lima/Cold Spring/Whitewater area and went straight from Whitewater High School to the loving arms of her husband, Brian Grosskreutz. They married at North Lima Presbyterian Church on June 14, 1975 and spent the next 44 years together.

Janet worked in a variety of professions during her life, including as a caregiver at Fairhaven and other assisted living facilities, a packer for Star Packaging, and as a retail clerk at the Gift Hutch.

Janet delighted in living life to the fullest. She didn’t let a fear of heights deter her from enjoying everything from peering over a 12-story hotel balcony to watch bears raiding a dumpster to attaining the summit of Pikes Peak. She also overcame her fear of airplanes so she could go to Florida to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in its first year, pet a dolphin at SeaWorld, and view a space shuttle on the launch pad at Cape Kennedy.

When at home, she enjoyed spending time with her husband Brian, daughter Kelly, and whatever dogs or cats they owned at the time. Janet was a huge animal lover and always owned at least one dog or cat throughout her life. She also enjoyed reading, coloring pictures in adult coloring books, making cards on her computer, sewing, and crocheting.

Janet leaves behind her daughter Kelly of Johnson Creek; in-laws Richard and Beverly Grosskreutz of Whitewater; brothers Walter Cooper, Jr. (Carol) of Grand Rapids, MN and John Cooper of Janesville; brother-in-law Steven (Patrice) Grosskreutz of Whitewater; beloved cat Dusty; and many nieces and nephews.

She is reunited with her husband Brian, daughter Kimberly, parents Walter and Elizabeth (Fisch) Cooper, sister Sylvia (Cooper) Holbach, sister-in-law Carmella (Rose) Cooper, and nephew Aaron Grosskreutz.

A private family burial will take place at Little Prairie Cemetery in Little Prairie, WI on December 5, 2020.

The family would like to thank Marquardt Home Health and Marquardt Hospice in Watertown, WI for their help and support.